free fall

noun

1
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also : such motion
2
a
: the part of a parachute jump before the parachute opens
b
: a rapid and continuing drop or decline
a free fall in stock prices
free-fall intransitive verb

Examples of free fall in a Sentence

Sales were in free fall.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As a result, the reputation of many of these schools has been in free fall. Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 23 Dec. 2024 The first crewed flight of Boeing's Starliner that launched on June 5, 2024 was supposed to be the company's comeback after a string of accidents, scandals, and financial free falls. David Szondy, New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2024 Still, for Combs, the onetime hitmaker-turned-mogul, whose rap, media and fashion empire was in free fall in recent years, continues to face dozens and dozens of civil suits — most filed by Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2024 The image is of a Boston fire-escape collapse: a woman and child in free fall, seconds before the woman’s death. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for free fall 

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of free fall was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near free fall

Cite this Entry

“Free fall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20fall. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

free-fall

noun
ˈfrē-ˈfȯl
: a condition of falling freely (as before opening one's parachute)

Medical Definition

free fall

noun
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also : such motion

More from Merriam-Webster on free fall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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